So now you’ve got your wad of cash for your till (right? you did read our previous article didn’t you?). Where do you keep it? There seem to be as many different answers as there are vendors. Here are some that caught our eye…
Cash Box
Vintage cash box from jeantyson.etsy.com
Tried and true, the cash box remains a perennial favorite. It’s big, its square, it means business, and it might even have a lock. Cash boxes generally (but not always) have little compartments for each denomination and a place in the bottom to throw checks, credit card slips, and coins. These days they’re available in colors besides olive green… but why mess with a classic?
The downside to cash boxes is they can be cumbersome and heavy. The plus side is that they make a great sturdy base to anchor your credit card machine to. The smooth metal surface is perfect for the suction cup feet found on most knucklebusters.
Cash Pouch
Textured checkers wallet by HazelHoney
Cash pouches are great for craft shows because they’re light, flexible, and available in every design imagineable.
Look for pouches with either a velcro or zipper enclosure to keep your cash safe. If you tend to deal with a lot of coins at shows opt for zippers. Bags with wrist straps are handy, you can keep them close by while your hands are free to do other things (like run the knucklebuster).
Sara / Girls Can Tell keeps two zipper pouches – one for small bills for making change and the other for 20s – so people don’t see her rifling through wads of cash.
Craft Apron
Vendor apron by linwoodavenue.etsy.com
If you want to have your cash handy while also looking fashionable (at least in the craft show sense) pick up a craft apron. Craft aprons have tons of pockets, so you can store change in one, small bills in another, and still have your 20s hidden away in yet another pocket. Of course, then you have to remember what’s where! They’re also great for keeping pens and business cards handy.
Aprons come in a variety of styles, from a small flap that ties around your waist to a half apron that hits just above your knees… all the way up to a full bib.
Of course if worst comes to worst you can always just shove your wad o’ bills in your jeans pocket… but hopefully it won’t come to that. Got a favorite way of storing your craft show cash, or some great handmade cash boxes / aprons? Leave us a link in the comments!
Tags: aprons, cash, vendors
I use a wooden cigar box for my cash. It lives in a drawer in my “show cabinet,” which stays stocked all the time so I can just grab it and go when it's showtime. The box has a latch, and it's just wide enough for bills, so it's easy to keep them neatly in order. The same drawer also has an envelope for collecting checks and credit card slips, as well as my credit card swiper and blank slips. Big bills get culled out and stashed elsewhere (I'm not telling). I situate the cabinet out of the way with the drawers facing away from customers, so I'm not too worried about theft — I'll notice if you're fiddling with it. Cash boxes out in the open make me nervous — they scream, “Here's the cash! Right here!” And they have convenient handles for grabbing.
I used to use a cash box, but I was always afraid that someone was going to run away with it. Now I use an apron and I couldn't be happier. My cash is always with me and people love its “handmade” look. Its was the best find and a great change.